Research Associate, Forest Pathology and Mycology Lab

Position Summary

The Staff Research Associate 1 (SRA1) manages large-scale diagnostics projects involving a variety of tree pathogens that have significant ecological, societal, and monetary impacts in California. This position assists with the description of new pathogen species and conducts tests aimed at identifying effective biological agents against these pathogens. Primary responsibilities include laboratory work involving both traditional culture-based and DNA-based diagnostics, general lab management, and data collection, with limited fieldwork in wooded settings.

• Culturing fungi on Petri dishes.
• Extracting DNA using preprepared kits.
• Amplifying DNA by PCR using standard preset programs and protocols.
• Submitting PCR products to the sequencing lab at Berkeley.
• Entering data in Word and Excel.

• Experience with sterile culturing in a laminar flow hood.
• Experience in aliquoting chemicals in a chemical hood.
• Knowledge of loading and running a microcentrifuge.
• Experience with pipetting liquid in Eppendorf tubes.
• Proficiency with Word and Excel for basic data entry.

The budgeted hourly wage for this position is $28.69 (Step
1). This is a non-exempt, bi‑weekly paid position and is approximately 1,000 hours, or one year, of a part‑time, limited (temporary) position eligible for UC benefits. The schedule features variable work hours, with an expected range of 22–30 hours per week, depending on need. The comprehensive benefits package is available on the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

The First Review Date for this job is:
June 29, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before this date.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.